Redneck Review
No. 55 5/9/2016
A final review today of the major differences between the two philosophies driving our politics, our economics, our culture, and even our future today!
The first I would call the Philosophy of Freedom, was discussed at some length in last weeks review, the rather old fashioned idea that human beings are unique individuals with an immortal soul and the power to think and to choose. Og Mandino, the world-renowned author of THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN THE WORLD, written in 1975, claimed that the title described the amazing miracle of LIFE found in each of those individuals.
And where did this miracle of life, and the power to think and choose come from? From a creator God says Mandino, given to each of us individually, along with the responsibility to respect the gifts and to use them responsibly. Hence, Mandino's book suggests the following five rules of happiness: "Count your blessings, Proclaim your rarity, Go another mile (when performing some task), Use wisely your power of choice, and Do all things with love."
A careful study of history provides a convincing case that our early United States with its early Christian makeup, is an historical example of this philosophy in action. In general, people cared for themselves, gave a helping hand to a neighbor in trouble, and used the FREEDOM experienced to unleash the greatest leap forward historically the world has ever seen. In less than 300 years, this fledgling country became the most advanced, the wealthiest, the most envied of all the civilizations around the globe. Constant pressure of immigrants flooding into our country is indisputable proof of this claim.
And the second philosophy? Lets bluntly call it the Philosophy of Regimentation! Maybe a bit harsh some would say, but none the less, very true. Because SOCIALISM in politics, and KEYNESISM in economics require regimentation. They require government action that takes the responsibility from individuals and places it in controling bodies. Socialist promises of equal shares for all strips the productive of excess wealth and thus kills the incentive to produce, while at the same time encourages a dependent attitude on the receivers of government help. Socialist experiments historically end in disaster!!
And KEYNES? His theory sounds great, but his claim of a stable business cycle does require a regimented control by experts of the money supply and the economy. And in this claim that they can eliminate or at least control fluctuations in that cycle, one can find a FATAL FLAW. That they can use lower interest rates and an increased money supply (debt) to combat recessions and business slow downs certainly makes sense, and has been going on since 2008. Politically easy to do... though we do have a $19 trillion debt! 
But who dares to cool off a roaring stock market or slow down a booming economy when the voter in a democratic country is involved? Political suicide!
Money creation by debt, and near-zero interest rates have fueled a huge increase in the stock market, and have inflated every day prices a bit higher and higher! This IS the fatal flaw! The need to raise interest rates, and shrink the money supply will rile the voter, and maybe cost you the next election! So the political will to attack the problem is gone! Hence the Socialist and the Keynesian promise for a better life IS DEAD ON ARRIVAL! And continued reliance on these systems does jeopardize our future!!!
Jake Wren

Letter to Editor:   
Mark Frei, County Commissioner, has helped draft a County Natural Resource Plan whereby any Federal agency must consult and take into account when taking actions and making decisions on federal lands within our county.  The plan stresses the use of our natural resources, pro-logging/mining/grazing for the betterment of the economy of our county as well maintaining access of the lands for recreation.  
Mark stands up for constitutional rights and traditional family values.  
He personally gave back to the County $15,000 per year value of medical policy, which he did not take for reasons of conscience.
He inaugurated serious sold waste system reform, provided effective leadership through three disasters in the county, no tax raises.
Mark supports local control to maintain limited government, property rights, free market system, supports traditional family values and will defend 2nd amendment rights
I will and urge you to vote for Mark Frei on May 17.
 Shorty Arnzen
Cottonwood

To the Editor,
I am supporting Sheryl Nuxoll in her bid for re-election to the Idaho senate. She is a true conservative, who is working hard for the people of Idaho - to preserve our citizen rights and to help pass sensible legislation. The Idaho Freedom Foundation has endorsed her, too, as shown in this quote by Wayne Hoffman: "Senator Nuxoll is a consistent friend of freedom and one of the state Senate's most consistent conservative voices. Her work in the legislature, and in particular, on the budget committee, has been very valuable and effective. We're blessed to have someone of her caliber working on the side of liberty." Sheryl is also 100% committed to the pro-life movement, which earns her my faithful support. Vote liberty - Vote pro life - Vote Nuxoll!
Nancy Connolley
Grangeville

LETTER TO EDITOR
Is it in the interests of Idaho County residents that children have a safe, educational & nurturing place to be during those  gap hours between end of school day and end of work day for their parents?  You bet it is!  And surprise of all surprises, our current Idaho County Commissioners do not think so by their recent decision to deny their stamp of approval on a grant application the Kids Club wants to put forward.  This Idaho Community Block grant would not cost Idaho County one thin dime.  Interestingly enough Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Webb deemed the Kid’s Club so important their estate gave $200,000 to the organization which needs an additional $300,000 to build a facility large enough to serve all families seeking placement of their children in the afterschool, preschool & summer camp Kids Club program.  Children are being turned away because of lack of sufficient space.
Sorry Mr. Chmelik, because of your action and that of the other two commissioners you will not be getting my vote on May 17.  I will be voting for Mr. Denis Duman.  I urge others to vote Duman as well.  
Frances Conklin
Cottonwood

To the Editor
I will be voting for Mr. Denis Duman as County Commissioner.  He is running for the seat currently held by incumbent Mr. Chmelik who has served long enough.  I’ve known and worked with Denis for thirty-two years in his capacity as owner of City Electric and as mayor of Cottonwood for many years.  I’ve appreciated his deep involvement with many community, regional and state organizations.  Denis has always been approachable, straight forward, and honest.  He has the time and energy to use his skills on behalf of Idaho County as a Commissioner.
 Denis is someone who will tend to the business of running Idaho County without interjecting personal agendas that have no bearing on the work the commissioners are charged to conduct.  It is time for our county commissioners to work on issues directly affecting Idaho County residents.  It is time for the commissioners to leave their personal biases at home when it comes to conducting county business.  It is time for the commissioners to be responsive and respectful of all points of view held by their Idaho County constituents.  It is time to vote Denis Duman for Idaho County Commissioner on Tuesday May 17.  There will be no other opportunity in this election cycle to vote for Denis.  Please vote.
Dennis J Sullivan
Cottonwood

Challenges of Prosperity.
I recently attended the local 3 republican debates in Idaho County.  Incumbents and challengers attending were county commissioners, state representatives, and state senator for our district.   As I listened my main internal question was this:  As an elected official, are they willing to put their personal money on a program or policy before they make you and I, by the force of law, spend our money on it?   In reality “government” is created the moment that we the people partner our protective right with another citizen, a sheriff.   This elected sheriff is given a charge (from the citizens who already have the inherent right to protect themselves), to assist the citizens to protect and defend their lives, liberty, and property.  (Incidental to the function of this “government” is elected legislatures and courts to settle disputes of life, liberty, and property.  Also established is a monetary system, and weights and measures that render money judgments and taxes to operate such courts and activities specifically pertaining to defending inherent rights).   Now back to the debates and my observation.  Currently, at the state level, Idaho’s greatest budgets are not used for defending and protecting inherent rights of citizens or attacking the enemies of our inherent rights.  The greatest tax dollar budgets are used on our state’s parent problems stemming from the mental disease of entitlement for white collar, blue collar and no collar parents.  (It seems the further parents/people are from the source of their money, the more entitled they feel).   So back to my original question: As an elected official, are they willing to put their personal money on a program or policy before they make you and I, by the force of law, spend our money on it, especially when the policy or program benefits the “entitled” few?  I guess time will tell.  But all of us better choose wisely.  For whom we elect, over the long haul, will either use our tax dollars to defend and protect against enemies of the fruit of our labor or use the sweat of our brow to fund the mental disease of entitlement of the self-appointed elite (king makers) and their entitled white collar, blue collar, an no collar followers.   
Scott Perrin
Cottonwood.

To the Editor
Idaho District 7 Republican primary races have all three incumbents facing challengers.  Senator Nuxoll is a proven conservative (“A”s on her report cards), her roots and her decisions/actions planted in faith and constitutional principles (sounds like the founding fathers). Her challenger, Carl, while a nice fella, is running on wind-driven philosophy. His Facebook supporter states, “There are no easy answers, but we have to eat the elephant one bite at a time”. Apparently the socialist Sanders-types (democrats) are attracted to his “stand”. They see in Carl what I see. The “infection” creeping (moving?) into Idaho’s conservative heritage is happy to eat “elephant” (read Republicans) one bite at a time till all that’s left is “left”. We don’t need Carl helping them out.
The House races are more “conservative” vs. “conservative”. Representative Shepherd has served well, but recently has gotten a “C” on his conservative report card. (As a parent, I like “A”s). It appears he’s also been “cutting” class, with 60-80 unexcused voting absences on important bills this past session alone. In school, that results in repeating the same grade next year. We can’t afford that. Kris Steneck will attend every class (vote) and get “A”s. She is strongly opposed to “federal” intrusion into Idaho. She advocates for the “little guy” that wants to realize the “American dream” and is willing to take ground back and hold it. “Big government” will take a big “hit” when she is on the beat.  
The other house race is a “toughie”. Representative McMillan does get “A”s on her report cards (conservative and NRA), votes every time, and that would continue. Her “weakness” is her inability to articulate and lead the charge on issues. Nonetheless, that is good enough for holding ground. However, the best defense is a good offense. Whereas Priscilla is a “fresh face”, she certainly possesses the leadership credentials to run the offense. She has done her homework the past year or two to prepare herself for this job. She knows what putting your life on the line for your fellow Americans means. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Your pick.
Mike Edmondson
Elk City

Dear Editor:
Carl Crabtree is the best candidate to bring back common sense, conservation leadership to our District 7 state senate position. Carl will help bring state government’s focus back to the issues that really matter to District 7 residents, including working to improve employment opportunities, improving our schools and cutting governmental red tape. Carl was raised in Idaho County and knows the challenges we face in rural Idaho. More importantly, Carl’s success as a rancher and business owner demonstrate his ability to help us overcome those challenges. Please vote for Carl Crabtree for the District 7 state senate position on May 17th.
Thank you,
J.A. Wright
Attorney at Law

Letter to the Editor:
Each of us was elected as Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. One of us is a Republican; the other is a Democrat. And in the May election, both of us support Clive Strong as Idaho’s new Supreme Court Justice.
During our terms in office, we knew Clive Strong as a reliable and ethical voice on all issues related to Idaho’s endowment lands, those lands set aside to support education institutions and Idaho’s public schools. Over his years of dedicated public service as Deputy Attorney General, Clive’s understanding of the most complicated issues has served Idaho well. He has a deep well of knowledge and a clear commitment to doing the right thing for the right reason. No wonder he has earned the respect of so many.
We urge you to vote for Clive Strong as an ethical, hard-working, and unbiased voice to join Idaho’s Supreme Court.
Jerry L. Evans
Marilyn Howard

To the Editor
Jim Chmelik is not a one-issue commissioner.
He has balanced the budget and kept county wages and health care cost in line with the private sector and developed good working relationship with county employees He is respected for his commitment and compassion for their concerns.
While the price to remove solid waste from the county has gone up year-to-year our solid waste fees have not. He has battled Federal Highways Administration on the Main Salmon River Road project to insure that future commissions will not be stuck with a nightmare of maintenance.
He sits on the Idaho Association of Counties Public Lands Steering Committee and also on the National Association of Counties and Western Interstate Region (WIR) of Counties Public Lands Steering Committees and is currently running for 2nd Vice-chair of the WIR. His insights are well respected locally and nationally.
He has spear headed a much needed natural resource management plan for the county and works diligently to seek solutions and work in cooperation with the federal agencies.
He moved quickly when the slide occurred on Hwy 14 and met with the Forest Service to insure the Elk City Residents had a bi-pass route. This was all accomplished within four days.
As a commissioner Mr. Chmelik has redefined the importance of what it means to be a county commissioner and is fighting for those values we hold dear in Idaho County.
I encourage you to vote Jim Chmelik next Tuesday.
Thank you,
Mike and Jana Frei

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